CURTIN UNIVERSITY

ENGINEERING MATERIALS 100

Week 4: Electrochemistry and Corrosion tutorial

1. Write specific half equations to show:

(a) the oxidation of the ferrous ion, Fe2+
(b) the reduction of chlorine gas, Cl2
(c) the cathodic reaction of oxygen
(d) the anodic reaction of aluminium.

2. Using values from the table of standard reduction potentials, calculate the
cell potentials of the following cells:

a) Ga(s) | Ga3+(aq) || Ag+(aq) | Ag(s)

b) Zn(s) | Zn2+(aq) || Cr3+(aq) | Cr(s)

3. For the following metal couples, indicate which will be the anode and
cathode respectively in an electrochemical cell. Write balanced equations
for the reactions, and calculate the electrode potential for the cell in each
case, assuming standard conditions. Note which metal will corrode if they
are in contact in a moist environment.
(a) Sn/Sn2+ and Cu/Cu2+
(b) Cd/Cd2+ and Ag/Ag+
(c) Sn/Sn2+ and Al/Al3+
(d) Ag/Ag+ and Cu/Cu2+

 
4. Would nickel make an acceptable sacrificial anode to protect steel?
Explain your answer.

5. Suppose that you work for a company that designs the drive mechanisms
for large ships. The materials in this mechanism will obviously come into
contact with environments that enhance corrosion. To estimate the
difficulties that corrosion might cause, you decide to build a model
electrochemical cell using electrolyte concentrations that might be present
in your system when it is in service. Assume that you have a cell that has
an iron (II) concentration of 0.015 M and a H+ concentration of 1.0 x 10-3
M. The cell temperature is 38 oC, and the pressure of the hydrogen gas is
maintained at 0.04 atm. What would be the cell potential under these
conditions?